Each footfall carried her further into the past
the cobblestone under her feet
grounding
Ancient vibrations
circulating
filling her with a sense of awe
Willing herself
to still her mind
and absorb
Microscopic brilliance
left behind
but not abandoned
Companions and adversaries
grand inspirations and hushed conversations
echo through the ages
Monastic manuscript
spiritually inspired artistry
calfskin transformed
Survivor of raids and wars
decorated with indigo, lead, and copper
now speaks quietly from beneath a class enclosure
The human tide
moving ever forward
building up momentum
Once again
stilling her mind
wishing them away
She stands among
the ancient texts
piled to the ceiling
Carefully guarded
by marble busts
and the spirits of those who once were
The circuit completed
she steps out into the sun
forever changed
